Opiate dependence in laboratory animals is commonly induced by two methods: (1) subcutaneous (s.c.) insertion of morphine pellets, and (2) daily injections of increasing doses of opiates. While both of these methods reliably induce opiate dependence, they do not allow one to discontinue, and subsequently reestablish steady state opiate plasma levels with… (More)

To my wife Shetia and my son Kaden ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First off, I would like to thank God for putting me in the position that I am in today. As any Ph.D student knows, there are many times where the academic grind and struggle of completing a doctoral degree seems overwhelming. Thus, I have to thank God for putting the right people in my life to keep me… (More)

To my wife Jennifer ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are almost too many people to thank that have helped me survive my trials through the PhD program here at the University of Michigan. I would first like to thank my advisor Professor Trevor Mudge who took a chance taking me on as a student in the Fall of 2005 and providing funding when I was still unsure if I… (More)